# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=816 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 817 --- ## [Are electoral college votes secret?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-electoral-college-votes-secret/771120)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-electoral-college-votes-secret/771120 "2016-11-17T02:13:24Z")
With Trump running, and rumors of Russian interference in the election, I was speculating on how a future billionaire or foreign government could tamper with the Presidential election. I thought about the electoral coll… --- ## [Vapour pressure of water on Earth vs in zero gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vapour-pressure-of-water-on-earth-vs-in-zero-gravity/772162)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vapour-pressure-of-water-on-earth-vs-in-zero-gravity/772162 "2016-11-17T02:08:14Z")
This question came to me in a discussion (with a flat Earther, don’t ask). If you put a beaker of water into a sealed chamber and suck out the air, then the water will boil once the air pressure drops below the vapour pr… --- ## [Environmental impact of blacksmithing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/environmental-impact-of-blacksmithing/772059)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/environmental-impact-of-blacksmithing/772059 "2016-11-17T01:02:46Z")
I do blacksmithing as a hobby and use a coal forge. How much damage am I doing to the environment? I use bituminous coal and the forge is probably lit around 4-5 hours a week. ETA: The forge is about 16" in diameter. --- ## [Legal:? Advertising on/with clouds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-advertising-on-with-clouds/772155)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-advertising-on-with-clouds/772155 "2016-11-17T00:15:38Z")
See query. Projecting at night on a good cumulus cloud bank, say. Or using my cloud gathering beam (patent pending) to corral them and make pictures and text. (I had a dream that I went to look at the Supermoon and an a… --- ## [Blinking lights on one of those decorative "village" pieces - can I "unblink" them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blinking-lights-on-one-of-those-decorative-village-pieces-can-i-unblink-them/563278)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blinking-lights-on-one-of-those-decorative-village-pieces-can-i-unblink-them/563278 "2016-11-17T00:02:08Z")
My sister has a couple of pieces in her “village” collection (Kohl’s St. Nicholas Square Village), one of which is the train station. The little colored lights running along the gutter flash on and off- and they’re very … --- ## [What kind of car charger for a Tracfone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-car-charger-for-a-tracfone/772038)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-car-charger-for-a-tracfone/772038 "2016-11-16T19:01:12Z")
I was given an old fashioned flip phone, a Tracfone Alcatel A206G, to keep in the car for emergencies, and I charge it in the house when the battery gets low. I was thinking of getting a charger for the car that I can p… --- ## [Measuring Mass In Weightless Space...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-mass-in-weightless-space/772169)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-mass-in-weightless-space/772169 "2016-11-16T17:17:22Z")
Something I have wondered for a long time. And if you all will indulge me, I will even offer my own, possible solution. But my question is simply this: How do astronauts measure mass, when they are in space, where every… --- ## [Presidental pardon for those not yet charged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidental-pardon-for-those-not-yet-charged/772159)
**Author:** [@Oddball\_92](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oddball_92)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidental-pardon-for-those-not-yet-charged/772159 "2016-11-16T16:07:58Z")
I have seen some news media propaganda about obama pardoning clinton. That leads me to a question. Can a president pardon someone who has not yet been charged with a crime? --- ## [On Facebook and Messenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-facebook-and-messenger/772166)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-facebook-and-messenger/772166 "2016-11-16T16:04:16Z")
I want to delete my Facebook account, which is currently de-activated. I do not wish to discontinue using Messenger, which I use daily to keep in touch with my friends who live out of state. They say you can have Messe… --- ## [Can a 20mm cannon penetrate the sidal armour of an M1 Abrams? And other questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-20mm-cannon-penetrate-the-sidal-armour-of-an-m1-abrams-and-other-questions/770358)
**Author:** [@Archinist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archinist)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-20mm-cannon-penetrate-the-sidal-armour-of-an-m1-abrams-and-other-questions/770358 "2016-11-16T15:07:02Z")
I am wondering how effective a 20mm AP cannon would be against the sidal armour of an M1 Abrams original. How about a .50 caliber gun against the rear ventilation port of an Abrams? What about with AP sabot rounds? Not … --- ## [Collect call to US from foreign country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collect-call-to-us-from-foreign-country/542580)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collect-call-to-us-from-foreign-country/542580 "2016-11-16T15:01:18Z")
To make a long story short I need to know how to make a collect call to the US from a foreign country. The call is most likely to originate from a cell phone with a local SIM card. So I dial +1, and then what? 0? 0 then … --- ## [Whats the deal with Cocaine and Tobacco traces found on Mummies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-cocaine-and-tobacco-traces-found-on-mummies/619762)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2012, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-cocaine-and-tobacco-traces-found-on-mummies/619762 "2012-04-25T10:47:18Z")
I’ve heard of this before but Cracked just mentioned it in an article: Whats the latest on this? Originally it was found in 1992, that should be plenty of time to work out if the samples were somehow contaminated or t… --- ## ['They've got a lock on us.' Military folk, how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theyve-got-a-lock-on-us-military-folk-how-does-that-work/771684)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theyve-got-a-lock-on-us-military-folk-how-does-that-work/771684 "2016-11-16T11:42:27Z")
I have always assumed that the enemy radar has stopped searching, with occasional pings, and has begun pinging you continuously. Right or wrong, or is it just a movie thing? --- ## [Prop 67 in California. Anyone know where I can get some info about this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prop-67-in-california-anyone-know-where-i-can-get-some-info-about-this/772117)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prop-67-in-california-anyone-know-where-i-can-get-some-info-about-this/772117 "2016-11-16T11:20:02Z")
Hey guys, Can anyone tell me where I can get some clarification about this new law? I tried the California Secretary of State, The Governors Office, CArecyling.ca.gov and several online sites, but I can’t find a defini… --- ## [Government agencies headquartered in East Jerusalem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-agencies-headquartered-in-east-jerusalem/772144)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-agencies-headquartered-in-east-jerusalem/772144 "2016-11-16T09:39:14Z")
Israel currently considers Jerusalem to be its “undivided” capital, but the PLO and UN view at least the eastern half of the city to Israeli-occupied territory over which the Palestinians ought to have sovereignty. I kn… --- ## [Status of Trump Foundation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/status-of-trump-foundation/772095)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/status-of-trump-foundation/772095 "2016-11-16T02:10:05Z")
What’s the current status of the Trump Foundation? Is it still shut down due to the New York state investigation? --- ## [Does electron-electron fusion exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-electron-electron-fusion-exist/772089)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-electron-electron-fusion-exist/772089 "2016-11-16T01:14:54Z")
I’ve never heard of such thing. Should be similar to hydrogen to helium fusion, but… Is it all about masses and strong interaction and something - I don’t know. Should it give less energy with more effort than the othe… --- ## [When a girl did this stuff do you think it's bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-girl-did-this-stuff-do-you-think-its-bad/772109)
**Author:** [@Alexander98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alexander98)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-girl-did-this-stuff-do-you-think-its-bad/772109 "2016-11-16T01:08:09Z")
So on Monday I was staring into space & i was staring at the trash can & i see the girl i liked looking at me later I was staring at the wall & when i look over she was Leaning her Head Against her Hand While looking at … --- ## [Is there a term for a semi automatic AK-47](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-a-semi-automatic-ak-47/771634)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-a-semi-automatic-ak-47/771634 "2016-11-15T22:05:44Z")
The AR-15 is basically a semi auto version of the M16. So does the AK-47 have a legal semi auto version that has the same appearance and uses the same rounds except is semi auto instead of fully automatic? If so what is … --- ## [Help, my car is held down by invisible force.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-car-is-held-down-by-invisible-force/771900)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-car-is-held-down-by-invisible-force/771900 "2016-11-15T21:16:11Z")
I washed my 2006 Toyota Tacoma truck yesterday. Everything was fine driving it before I washed it. I tried to back it out of my parking spot today and it will not move. It feels like it is trying to move but something it… --- ## [Large IT companies and their servers (question about data integrity)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-it-companies-and-their-servers-question-about-data-integrity/772007)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-it-companies-and-their-servers-question-about-data-integrity/772007 "2016-11-15T20:16:50Z")
Let’s take Google as an example. I assume that Google has many servers around the world. When someone tries to access his/her emails, his files in Google drive or any sort of information in his/her Google account, do t… --- ## [How well would an iPhone sent back in time 20 years work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-would-an-iphone-sent-back-in-time-20-years-work/772054)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-would-an-iphone-sent-back-in-time-20-years-work/772054 "2016-11-15T19:49:28Z")
Let’s say a time machine was invented an I sent an iPhone 7 back in time 20 years. Let’s say it’s currently active on the AT&T or Verizon network. What functions would it maintain? Could someone use it to make a phone … --- ## [The biochemistry of being star struck.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biochemistry-of-being-star-struck/771774)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biochemistry-of-being-star-struck/771774 "2016-11-15T18:35:49Z")
I never realized that being “star struck” is a real thing until it happened to me. I recently had an encounter with a TV star at a coffee bar in So Cal. She came up next to me and ordered as I waited for my order to be … --- ## [Question re road paving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-road-paving/771980)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-road-paving/771980 "2016-11-15T18:15:29Z")
The street leading to my neighborhood has been undergoing a complete resurfacing for a few weeks now. They did lots of prep work, put down a new black top, and finally painted the lines. Everything was put back together … --- ## [Bronze Age Preceded Iron Age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bronze-age-preceded-iron-age/771093)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bronze-age-preceded-iron-age/771093 "2016-11-15T16:50:17Z")
Never gave it much thought I recently heard how the Bronze Age preceded the Iron Age. My question is this: Iron comes straight out of the ground whereas bronze is an alloy. Seems to me the making of bronze is an advanced… --- ## [Is there "Trump Youth" group activity since their web site was taken down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-trump-youth-group-activity-since-their-web-site-was-taken-down/772060)
**Author:** [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-trump-youth-group-activity-since-their-web-site-was-taken-down/772060 "2016-11-15T15:57:04Z")
The following says the Trump Youth’s web site was taken down… And Trump has appointed a white nationalist type… So seems to me there is or will be Trump Youth activity. Are there any signs of this? --- ## [How often does the President get paid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-does-the-president-get-paid/770975)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-does-the-president-get-paid/770975 "2016-11-15T13:46:26Z")
I was just wondering. You’d think it would be an easy question to get answered online but I checked. I found several sites which gave his annual salary. I found a few sites which said Obama is committing felonies by acc… --- ## [Honda Civic anti theft system? Car Guys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-civic-anti-theft-system-car-guys/772028)
**Author:** [@Cub\_Mistress](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cub_Mistress)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-civic-anti-theft-system-car-guys/772028 "2016-11-15T10:41:06Z")
When I stopped at a store this evening after work, I locked my 2016 Honda Civic EXT as usual, using the proximity key fob. When I came out, I could not get my doors to unlock or the trunk to open. It is possible I may ha… --- ## [Are there any non-illicit drugs that maintain a constant elevated mood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-illicit-drugs-that-maintain-a-constant-elevated-mood/771840)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-illicit-drugs-that-maintain-a-constant-elevated-mood/771840 "2016-11-15T07:32:16Z")
Non-illicit which means that heroin, cocaine, meth are excluded, not because of their legality but due to the euphoric effects induced which fade rapidly and a flat empty feeling afterwards. Having been to a psychiatris… --- ## [The President is Refusing to Leave Office...\[hypothetical\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-is-refusing-to-leave-office-hypothetical/771977)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-is-refusing-to-leave-office-hypothetical/771977 "2016-11-15T02:16:29Z")
OK, it is hypothetical time. It is January 21, 2017. President Shmobama holed up in his office yesterday, and refused to leave. He said that he could not in good conscience hand over the nuclear codes to President-ele… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=815) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=817)